On this week’s show, privacy was a big theme beginning with our conversation about Ring’s sharing of certain user data with third-party tracking sites, a plea from 40 organizations for the U.S. to stop using facial recognition technology, and a new way to think about smart cities. Kevin and I also discussed proposed device security rules for the U.K. and security challenges associated with LoRaWAN networks. We touched upon new water sensors for HomeKit homes, Ciscos’s new security service for industrial IoT, another satellite network for IoT, and Verizon’s deal to put 4G modems on Honeywell’s smart meters. Kevin also found a ring that doubles as an activity tracker. In this week’s IoT Podcast Hotline, we answer a question about how to build a smart home that works for visitors.
My guest this week is Dan Bridleman, a senior vice president with KB Home. As a home builder, KB Home has started to integrate some smart devices into their portfolio. Bridleman explains what those options are and how KB plans to support (or offload the support) of a smart home. He also shares what he’s excited about in the home sector and why newer technologies could do away with expensive home infrastructure like copper wiring to switches.
Great Podcast, folks! I am so glad you talked about Ring at the beginning. It’s amazing what the tech and the mainstream press does with the stories like the recent one about the Ring Android App… Sometimes I think there’s no safe haven for news of any type, but will give you credit for trying. The KB homes was interesting, but sounded like it’s way too “locked-in” for me. I don’t want a Carrier thermostat, I want what works for me. I thought of one thing after listening You a. What are builders doing to provide power for outside cameras? It seems it’s rare to have power up high under the eaves unless it’s a totally custom built home. The same could be asked about low voltage lighting that you might want to have become “smart” and not just on/off, but colors, too. You asked some great questions. Keep it up, please.
I’ve long held that it’s preferable to run local services, even where IoT is concerned. For security cameras, I have a local NVR. For other things, I’ve migrated to a local instance of Home Assistant. I’ve configured all my stuff to use HA directly where possible. Things like the Echo still need access to the cloud, but many other things don’t when there is a local alternative.